Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-12-06
will arrive some time this afte, noon.
They carry . large number OF people
GENERAL BOULANGER.
Biographical sketch of the Illus.
tri0us soldier.

triOus soldier.
EDITORS HER ,LD-In presenting to
the HERALD the accompanying en-
craving from a recent plata per-
feet likeness of General Boulanger-
it may not be amiss to append a few
biographical notes illustrating the
career of the soldier, the coming man
of destiny, who stands to-day fore
most in the affections OF his country
men, at home and abroad, wherever
the skv bends over patriotic son or
daughter of France. The ex- Minister
of War, the most popular and sym
pathetic man in the republic, not
withstauding the Vaccinations and
aspersions Of certain political intrig-
uers, has shown to the world that if
his country, or rather its Administra-
ton, does not now desi war, he
shall be respected as ready leader
against the common enemy. Rising
above all factions and parties; ignor-
ing alike the dictates of the Right and
the Left, he aspires to no vacant hon
or but that of vindicating the pres
tige Of the nation. He has inherited the
magnetism of the lamented Gamb BETA.
In the Language of the Psalmist, the
words OF his mouth are smoother than
butter, but war, a War OF revenge and
reprisal, is in his heart.
5 boulanger, though fifty years old, is
so hale and nimble that he appears
only turned OF f,rty. He entered the
service in 1855 as cadet in the spe-
cial military school of Saint Cyr, the
famous establishment whence the
army recruits its best officers. On the
following year, outstripping many a
competitor in the race for promotion,
he was commissioned sub lieutenant
and assigned 10 active service. He
distinguished himself in several expe-
ditions, among which may be men,
toned the eventful campaigns in
Africa, Italy, and Cochin China,
where he took part in bloody engage
ments and received a number Of
wounds, one OF which is still ranking
in his breast. Rapidly winning his
way and epaulets in the field, through
intervening grades to the rank Of col
onel, in 1870, during the siege OF
Paris, he led the Fourteenth Regi
ment to battle. was again wounded at
Champigny and officially compliments
ed by his superiors for gallant actions.
In 1878, owing to his meritorious SER
vices, he was appointed brigadier-gen-
eral. In 1884, his brilliant record
having become mattero OF history, he
was intrusted with the command of
the most valorous division of the
army.
General Boulanger was one OF the
delegates sent to the United States, in
1875, to represent the French Govern
ment at the centennial celebration OF
our national independence. His post
prandial speech, warmly eulogistic OF
American institutions, at the banquet
given in his honor and that of his col
leagues by the French Consul Gen
eral in New York, may yet be fresh in
the memory of many readers Of the
HERALD. Returning TO his native
land, he was made Chief OF the Bureau
OF Infantry in the War Department
He discharged the duties of this
office with such signal ability and
satisfaction to the country that he was
transferred to Tunis, and elevated t.
the dignity of Commander-in-Chiei
of troops of all arms in that section o.
French Africa.
Last year, when M. de Freycine
formed new ministry, Boulanger was
called to the portfolio of war. His
stay in the Cabinet was marked by the
introduction OF numerous and jul
dlcious reforms in the army
the adoption OF which has greatly
improved not only the morale, the dis
cipline, and the equipments, but espe
cially the facilities for tue mobilization
and concentration of troops.
His duel with Senator de Lareintz
created throughout Europe senasa
ton which redounded to the credit o
tile spirited soldier, who would face
death rather than brook wanton in
suit among his fellows.
General Boulanger is man of very
fine appearance and distinguished car
riage. He possesses all the requisites
which go to make a great military
leader, an avenger of national wrongs
| Monsieur Sadi Carnot, the "darl
horse'-perhaps Trojan horse-wh'
has just been foiste. III the Presiden
tial chair, is confessedly man of or
binary calibre, without any decision
force of character, or foreign policy
If allowed to settle down in that 5000
rifle chair, he will lapse into Ri
Van Wrinkle snooze, from which h,
may be rudely awakened by the bugl'
call to battle and the roar OF the rifieC
ordnance all along the line, with Gen
eral Boulanger in the foremost Of the
advance.